1977 Question
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
1977 Question
I have just purchsed a 1977 Corvette. Vin shows it as a 1977, #404314. L48. I paid a little too much for the work I'm finding out we'll have to do. I'm learning. Anyways, I've been conducting research. Got the assembly manual and a call out for the build sheet. From what I'm learning, somethings don't add up. The Trim plate has 22L paint(dark blue, which the car is), which was an option for the 76 model and I01(SEP76??) for the date build. The badges in the hood and gas cap for for 1976(the disk with the crossed flags). It has "Stingray" on the side. And finally, the center consol is different than the assembly manaul. I've been told that later in 77, GM made some changes to the car(Stingray, etc.). Who knows what heppend to this car over the last 30 years, but my wife and I are trying to bring it back to what it was. Besides, it was her 30 B-day present(born in 77) and it's a 76, she may beat me up.
Any ideas? Thx!
Any ideas? Thx!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
what is your question? your last statement of it being 30 yrs old probably says it all......just make it a fun driver and don't worry about anything else
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,349
Likes: 419
From: Seattle Area WA
Well I'm guessing it is early '77 with the Sept build date and has some 76 parts on it is all. Does the center console have the fake allen head bolts cast into it. The '76 model does not, the '77 does. If the VIN says it is a '77, then its a '77 and she can be happy 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i just thought about this ....there are early and late 77 models ...look at the ac unit under the right front pasenger fender ands see if the big aluminum cylinder is crimped together or screwed together.....the late ones have it crimped and the early ones have it screwed....
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,716
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
If the alarm switch is in the front fender it is an early 77, If it does not have the key switch in the fender it is a late 77 were the alarm switch was integrated into the door lock. Decode the VIN, it should let you know exactly what you have.
Neal
Neal
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
As some of the guys have said ...it's a corvette ...at least enjoy it for that.
The 76 had a round badge on the nose, '77 had crossed flags
76 had the Stingray badges on the side, the 77 did not
Based on your manufacture date, there should be a lock on the fender for the alarm.
All of the above could have easily have been changed over the years, so it does not represent sound proof. Many people modify their cars over the years to be this or that. If the vehicle was in an accident, and they replaced the front clip with one from a 76, that would do it.
I like you have a '77 L48 that may have cost me a little more than it should, but I'm going through the list, and it is a project car ...so I'm going to have fun with it. I give myself at least 5 years to do a rolling resto.
Either way ...this will still turn heads -- mine does.
Brian.
The 76 had a round badge on the nose, '77 had crossed flags
76 had the Stingray badges on the side, the 77 did not
Based on your manufacture date, there should be a lock on the fender for the alarm.
All of the above could have easily have been changed over the years, so it does not represent sound proof. Many people modify their cars over the years to be this or that. If the vehicle was in an accident, and they replaced the front clip with one from a 76, that would do it.
I like you have a '77 L48 that may have cost me a little more than it should, but I'm going through the list, and it is a project car ...so I'm going to have fun with it. I give myself at least 5 years to do a rolling resto.
Either way ...this will still turn heads -- mine does.
Brian.
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Cooper26
...1977, #404314....I01(SEP76??) for the date build...
It is possible I01 on the tag is actually B1? September 76 was the second month of produciton and should be coded B.
Try Allied-Vaughn. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...x.php?cmd=area
These folks have microfiche records of dealer invoices for some 77-81 Corvettes. Follow the link and send them your VIN or call them. If they find your VIN in their records, they will want your credit card number and $50.
The dealer invoice will have the assembly date of your car, the date it was shipped from St. Louis, the date is was expected to be delivered, and where it went. It will also include standard and optional equipment, buyer and dealer costs, etc.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
The VIN sequence number puts it getting built in September 1976 as the last car built 09/76 was 6337.
The I01 in the trim tag however is April of 1977 or 1976. Since there is no code 22 Bright Blue in 77 it looks to me that the trim tag is from 04/76.
There is another VIN stamp on the frame above the driver side rear wheel, might want to see what it says.
What does the VIN stamp on the engine and tranny say?
The I01 in the trim tag however is April of 1977 or 1976. Since there is no code 22 Bright Blue in 77 it looks to me that the trim tag is from 04/76.
There is another VIN stamp on the frame above the driver side rear wheel, might want to see what it says.
What does the VIN stamp on the engine and tranny say?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The engine and tran and been replaced. My feeling is that it is an early 77, but there is no lock on the front fender. The in-laws have a lift, I'm going to get under it in detail this weekend. I'll try to put some pics up.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Originally Posted by Cooper26
.... Besides, it was her 30 B-day present(born in 77) and it's a 76, she may beat me up. Any ideas? Thx!
Any ideas? Thx!The first part of the Vin shows the year. Post that.
Il looked at a lot of new 77s & it looks like a 76, though it could have been changed. Some 77 info. is on my website.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 109
From: B'ham Alabama
Well,...the VIN# and your title will tell what your car is legally.
However, your car has 1976 outside rear view mirrors, (all 77 up had the color keyed sport mirrors. the pedistal mirrors ended in 1976).
It has a 1976 interior rear view mirror, (1977 up had the mirror glued to the windshield glass).
Your car has a 1976 steering wheel.
It has a 1976 console.
It has 1976 heat / AC controls.
It has 1976 emblems all over it.
Unless someone did a LOT of chnaging, your car appears to be a 1976.
Post the VIN# and we can tell you in a moment.
However, your car has 1976 outside rear view mirrors, (all 77 up had the color keyed sport mirrors. the pedistal mirrors ended in 1976).
It has a 1976 interior rear view mirror, (1977 up had the mirror glued to the windshield glass).
Your car has a 1976 steering wheel.
It has a 1976 console.
It has 1976 heat / AC controls.
It has 1976 emblems all over it.
Unless someone did a LOT of chnaging, your car appears to be a 1976.
Post the VIN# and we can tell you in a moment.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 703
Likes: 153
From: Central FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru'17, '23-'26
Originally Posted by Cooper26
My wife is standing next to me with a stick....
1Z37L7S404314
Got it off the title and the vin plate on the windshield frame.
1Z37L7S404314Got it off the title and the vin plate on the windshield frame.
1 = Chevy
Z = Corvette
37 = Coupe
L = 350ci 180hp (L48)
7 = year (1977)
S = Assembly Plant (St Louis)
4 = Check digit/place holder
04314 = 4,314th Vette built for the 77 model year
What do the rivets that hold the vin plate on the windshield frame look like?